Crossrail

WILLOUGHBY HOUSE GROUP
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
held at The Old Dr Butler’s Head, Mason’s Avenue EC2 on March 17th,  2009

Present

Committee Members
Petre Reid, Dafne Ter-Sakarian, Tim Macer, (Chair), Caroline Swash, James Prentice, Simon Ebbins,

Ordinary members
Ian and Tessa Mongomery, Ronnie Mann, Cliff Purchase, Neville Kay, Susan Hosking, Jean Soames, Edward Evans, Martin Storey and Sarah Herman, Brian Vickers, Cliff Purchase, Nikhil Mehta

1. Apologies for Absence

Michael Swash, Caroline Bennett, Steve Grimwood, John and Ann Ponting, Chris Parkin, Trevor Harvey, Valerie Mills. Ronnie Mann

2. Minutes of the last AGM held on June 10th 2008

The minutes were read and agreed

3. Chairman’s Report

The Chairman summarised the situation regarding the development of Milton Court and St Alphage House. He thanked the committee for their support and hard work during the past year.

4. Treasurer’s Report

Petre Reid reported that the finances were in satisfactory order with a reserve of £2,382. Expense had been minimal during the year and the year had ended with a small deficit of £21. As a recognised Tenants Association basic office expenses were reimbursed through the City of London.

5. Election of the Committee

The secretary had received the following nominations for the committee:

Tim Macer (603), Caroline Swash (106), Petre Reid (524), Simon Ebbins (501), James Prentice (312), Steve Grimwood (504), Nik Mehta (530)

Dafne Ter-Sakarian, who had served on the committee for three years, was not seeking re-election. The chair thanked Dafne for her contribution during that time.

The chairman proposed that all those nominated were elected to the committee. This was agreed unanimously by the meeting.

6. Discussion of Local Planning/Development Issues

a.    St Alphage House

Tim Macer reported that the building was being decommissioned and the future of the site uncertain in the present financial climate. The gardens were being maintained and the walkways supervised. Direct contact between local amenity groups and the client company were thought to have played an important part in halting this unsuitable development.

While no immediate development appeared to be planned, members were urged to be vigilant and be prepared to attend meetings by local organisations such as the Barbican Association, the Residents Consultation Committee and the Barbican Centre and Barbican Heritage Committees.

b     Milton Court

Tim Macer reported that problem of the method of recycling the concrete foundations (due to start in June 2009) remained unresolved. The choice lay between on site pulverisation or off site work which would require an estimated 500 lorry movements.

Naz Sayigh is still attempting to check noise levels caused by the on site process.

c     Crossrail and Thameslink

Tim Macer reported that pilot drilling will take place in the near future at the corner of Fore Street and Moor Lane. Due to platform extension at Farringdon to accommodate longer trains Thameslink from Luton to Brighton, the peak-hours service to Moorgate will be discontinued.

d. Lift and Escalator

Concern was expressed over the non-functioning escalator near Moorgate Station. The age of the machine and lack of spare parts was blamed for the breakdown problem by the Estate. The poor record of the Moor Lane lift was also noted. An initial ‘basic’  maintenance contract negotiated by Heron was felt to be the cause.

Social events

The Christmas Party had been enjoyed and the Summer Party had been a success. Attendance by Speed and Andrews House residents was noted and appreciated. Social Secretary Susan Hosking was in process of suggesting possible additional events.

The meeting closed with the chairman thanking all members present for attended the meeting, and the committee members who had agreed to serve the House Group.